As reported yesterday, the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has unanimously determined that Chinese photovoltaic imports materially injured the U.S. industry, meaning AD and CV duty orders will be issued. It has, however, determined that no critical circumstances were present. Thus, retroactive duties will not be applied.

A final decision has been reached regarding photovoltaic imports from China into the US.

Flickr/felibrilu

Just over a year after it submitted its petition to the USITC, SolarWorld Industries America, Inc. is celebrating the news that antidumping (AD) and countervailing (CV) duties will be applied to all crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells, modules, laminates and panels coming into the U.S. from China as detailed in the table below. The USITC voted unanimously (6-0) in favor of the tariffs.

AD preliminary

AD final

CVD preliminary

CVD final

Less export subsidy

Total

Trina

31.14

18.32

4.73

15.97

10.54

23.75

Suntech

31.22

31.73

2.9

14.78

10.54

35.97

59 exporters

31.18

25.96

3.61

15.24

10.54

30.66

Remaining exporters

249.96

249.96

3.61

15.24

10.54

254.66

Regarding critical circumstances, the USITC voted three to two in favor of their dismissal from the case. As such, no retroactive AD and CV duty orders will be applied to goods that entered the U.S. before the date of publication in the Federal Register of the Department of Commerce's affirmative preliminary determinations.

According to the USITC, in 2011, a total of 14 crystalline silicon photovoltaic cell and module producers were located in the U.S., representing 1,856 workers. While they shipped a total of US$709.5 million modules last year, the U.S.’ "apparent" consumption totaled $3.01 billion.

Meanwhile, China was found to have imported 1.5 million kW of crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells and modules into the U.S. in 2011. Overall, the value of modules imported was said to total $1.9 billion.

Commenting on the final decision, president of CASE, Jigar Shah stated, "Now that both Commerce and the ITC have ruled, we will continue to encourage dialogue and negotiation between the U.S. and Chinese governments to seek a constructive resolution. Unilateral tariffs and a trade war in today’s interconnected global marketplace are unnecessary and detrimental to effective and efficient business competition."

While SolarWorld applauded the move, it was still critical of China’s solar industry practices. "In light of China’s apparent determination to prop up its excessive production capacity at any cost, it [SolarWorld] would continue to pursue all relevant options to address China’s improper trade practices."

Yingli Green Energy said it was glad to see the end of the U.S. trade investigations. However, Liangsheng Miao and CEO said he was "saddened to see the global ramifications of this case. We are in the midst of a global trade war now, and Europe will be defending itself vigorously in the footsteps of the U.S. decision."

In a scathing response, Suntech America’s MD, E.L. "Mick" McDaniel stated, "The continued growth of trade barriers represents a serious challenge to the U.S. solar industry, for American jobs, and for energy consumers globally. SolarWorld's hypocritical campaign has forced the fast-growing American solar industry to foot the bill for SolarWorld's competitive failures. Further damage can be prevented if governments engage in constructive dialogue to roll back protectionist barriers that limit our industry's ability to compete against fossil fuels."

Trina Solar meanwhile, said it was currently evaluating whether it is "necessary and prudent to appeal these final determinations issued by the ITC."

"We are disappointed by the Commission's vote to impose protectionist trade measures, which we believe may slow solar-related investments in the United States and delay affordable market access to our most efficient cell technology-based products," said Jifan Gao, chairman and CEO. "As announced previously, we are prepared for this outcome and will continue to abide by our contractual commitments. This will not affect the offering of product lines that are not subject to these duties."